Last year when Avenue Pharmacy in Dayton learned that their lease wouldn’t be renewed, owner Sam Colleta reached out to Robert Yoder, Dayton’s Economic Development Director for help.

“Robert had a list of available properties in Dayton many of which weren’t listed for sale, and told us about the Commercial Community Advantage Program,” said Sam Colleta.

“We wanted to keep Avenue Pharmacy in Dayton,” said Robert Yoder, “It’s vital to a small town like Dayton to have a local pharmacy to meet the needs of our residents.”

Avenue Pharmacy found a new location at 201 6th Ave., the former Smitty’s Bar, they knew the building would require extensive renovations. This is where Dayton’s Commercial Community Advantage Program (CCAP) would provide gap financing to make this project possible.

“We were able to provide $30,000 in matching funds for this project. That turned a vacant tavern into this wonderful new pharmacy,” said Robert Yoder.

At the ribbon cutting on Thursday, March 14, Dayton Mayor Ben Baker said, “We thank Avenue Pharmacy for their commitment to serve the residents of Dayton, and for their investment in our historic downtown. Having a pharmacy in our downtown is critical not only to the health of our residents but to the walkability of our main street”